Highway to Johnston Ridge Observatory reopens

TOUTL — State highway officials say the highway to the Johnston Ridge Observatory at Mount St. Helens has reopened for the season.

The Vancouver Columbian reported Highway 504, also known as the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway, reopened for Saturday’s “It’s A Blast” event at the observatory. The event typically kicks off the visitor season at Mount St. Helens.

The anniversary of Mount St. Helens’ deadly 1980 eruption is next Sunday, May 18.

The highway closes each winter from Hummocks Trailhead to Johnston Ridge, north of the volcano. The state Department of Transportation has to remove snow piles of up to 20-feet high to clear the roadway.